Should Web Design Agencies Be Worried About AI?

By Neil Kilgallon on Friday, 23 May 2025

It’s a question we hear often at ID Studio. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked debates across industries, and web design is no exception.

With AI-powered tools promising to streamline website creation, some fear that web design agencies may become obsolete. However, this concern overlooks the unique value that specialist web design companies bring to the table.

Template-based platforms, such as Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace, have existed for a long time; yet, bespoke web design agencies continue to thrive. Far from being a threat, AI can enhance agencies’ capabilities, offering faster ways to complete mundane tasks while preserving the bespoke quality that clients demand. In this article, we’ll explore why web design agencies need not fear AI and how they can leverage it to deliver even better results.

The Limitations Of AI In Web Design

AI-driven tools and template-centric platforms have made web design accessible to companies of all sizes. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace allow users to create functional websites quickly, and AI takes this a step further by automating layout suggestions, content generation, and even basic coding. However, these solutions have significant limitations compared to an agency's bespoke web design services.

AI-driven tools lack the ability to fully capture a brand’s unique identity. While they can produce visually appealing websites, they often rely on generic templates or ideas that fail to accurately reflect a business’s brand or target audience. For industries with complex requirements, such as eCommerce platforms with intricate user journeys or niche sectors like luxury goods, AI struggles to deliver bespoke solutions required to maximise conversions.

Additionally, AI cannot replicate the strategic thinking and creative problem-solving that human designers provide. A web design agency doesn’t just build a website, it crafts an experience that aligns with a client’s long-term goals, from user engagement to conversion optimisation. Template-driven platforms, including those enhanced by AI, emphasise speed and simplicity, typically at the cost of depth and originality.

AI As A Tool To Aid Web Design Agencies

Rather than replacing web design agencies, AI can empower them to work more efficiently and deliver greater value. By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows agencies to concentrate on the creative and strategic elements of their work, achieving economies of scale without sacrificing quality. Here are some key areas where AI can make a difference:

Code Generation: AI tools can produce front-end and back-end code as a starting point, significantly reducing development time. For instance, tools like GitHub Copilot can generate functional code snippets, which developers can tailor to meet specific client requirements. This enables agencies to deliver custom website development more quickly and cost-effectively.
Wireframe Design: Creating wireframes is time-consuming, but AI-powered tools like UX Pilot (a Figma plugin) can generate initial layouts based on project briefs. Designers can refine these wireframes to ensure they align with the client’s vision, saving hours of manual work.
SEO Optimisation: AI can analyse keywords, suggest content improvements, and optimise on-page SEO elements, such as meta tags and alt text. This streamlines the SEO process, enabling agencies to concentrate on creating compelling content that resonates with their target audiences.
Content Creation: At ID Studio, we only use AI to generate blog post ideas and create rough article outlines. We use this information as a starting point for content creation. AI can help accelerate the content creation process, but human oversight is essential to ensure tone and quality.

By integrating AI into our workflows, agencies can reduce costs, accelerate project timelines, and deliver high-quality bespoke websites that focus on maximising ROI and conversions.

What Agencies Offer That AI Can't

Despite AI’s advancements, clients will continue to use the skills of web design agencies for their ability to deliver personalised, high-quality solutions. Human-led agencies offer several competitive advantages that AI cannot match:

Client Relationships: Agencies build trust through close collaboration, taking the time to understand a client’s business goals, audience, and challenges. This human touch fosters long-term partnerships that generic platforms cannot replicate.
Strategic Vision: A website is more than a collection of pages; it’s a strategic asset that drives brand growth and expansion. Agencies combine aesthetics, functionality, and user experience to create websites that deliver measurable results, from increased traffic to higher conversions.
Creative Expertise: While AI can mimic design trends, it lacks the originality and intuition that human designers possess. Agencies can push creative boundaries, crafting visually stunning websites that differentiate brands in competitive marketplaces.

For example, consider a luxury fashion brand launching an eCommerce platform. A template-based solution might provide a functional site, but only a web design agency can create a seamless user experience that reflects the brand’s exclusivity and sophistication. This level of customisation is where agencies shine. This is precisely what ID Studio did for the world-renowned wedding dress designer Suzanne Neville.

How Agencies Can Embrace AI to Stay Ahead

To remain competitive, web design agencies should view AI as a partner, not a competitor. Here are the practical steps ID Studio uses to integrate AI effectively:

Train Teams: We equip our designers and developers with the skills to use AI tools for repetitive tasks, such as generating basic code or analysing SEO performance. This allows us to focus on more complicated creative and strategic work.
Experiment with Prototyping: We use AI to create rapid prototypes or test design concepts, enabling faster client feedback and iteration.
Stay Updated: The AI landscape is constantly evolving. Agencies like ours should monitor new tools and trends to ensure they’re leveraging the latest advancements.
Blend AI with Expertise: Use AI to handle mundane, time-consuming tasks, but rely on human expertise to refine and elevate the final product. This combination ensures efficiency without sacrificing quality.

By adopting AI strategically, agencies can enhance their services, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional websites and apps that keep clients loyal.

Conclusion

We do not see AI as a threat to web design agencies, it’s an opportunity. While template-based platforms and AI tools make website creation more accessible, they cannot match the bespoke quality, strategic insight, and creative flair that agencies provide.

By embracing AI to streamline workflows, agencies can deliver projects faster and focus on what they do best: crafting unique, high-impact websites that drive business success. Rather than fearing AI, web design agencies should harness its potential to stay ahead.

Speak to our web design team to discuss how we can create a bespoke, high-performing website for your business.